The Best Gaming Computers Under $800

OverviewToday we have another set of ten builds for anyone who is looking for a gaming computer under $800.

There are five different Intel-based builds and five different AMD-based builds in this list and all of the partlists contain everything you need to build the tower of your computer. (Operating system, keyboard, and mouse not included.)

Any of these ten builds will allow you to max pretty much any game out on a 1920×1080 monitor. Most of the builds will even allow you to max out some of the less demanding games on a 2560×1440 monitor as well.

Ultimately, these builds can work as is, or they can serve as a template that you can work from to build your own system. And, make sure you check the prices of the components because prices fluctuate on a daily (and sometimes even an hourly basis), so while I may include a certain component at the time this article is published, it’s very possible that a day later I’d recommend something completely different (based off of the price changes).

I’d love to be able to update these lists on a daily basis, but unfortunately that would be nearly impossible. So, make sure you check for up-to-date prices and also look for deals and check other online retailers if you want the best price possible.

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LGA 1150 Gaming Computer Under $800 – Build #1

OverviewThis build is pretty beastly. For just $800 you can grab yourself a gaming computer that can max out anything on a 1920×1080 monitor and can even handle some less-demanding games on a 2560×1440 monitor.

If you’re not looking to overclock, then the i5-4670 that this build comes with is more processing power than any game currently demands. Also, the GTX 760 is plenty powerful enough to play your favorite games at the highest settings.

So, if you’ve got $800 to spend and you’re looking for a really solid machine that can handle pretty much anything, then this is a good start.

LGA 1150 Gaming Computer Under $800 – Build #2

OverviewIf you’re looking for a good $800 gaming computer that can be overclocked, then this setup is a solid option. (And so are the AMD AM3+ setups listed below.)

With an i5-4670K and a decent Z87 motherboard you should be able to hit moderate overclocks with this system. However, it should be noted that you need to ensure proper cooling before you overclock your CPU to higher levels. I recommend something like the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO as an affordable solution for anyone who wants to get past moderate overclocks.

This build also comes with a Radeon R9 270X and that is good enough to have you playing pretty much any game on max settings on a 1920×1080 monitor.

Intel LAN Gaming Computer Under $800 – Build #3

OverviewIf you’re looking for a smaller, more compact build that you can take with you to LAN parties, then this $800 build has everything you need.

With a BitFenix Prodigy case you’ll have one of the most popular mini-ITX LAN cases on the market. And, with an i5-4570 and a GTX 760 you’ll be able to handle pretty much any game on max settings on a 1920×1080 monitor. Pretty good for a LAN build well under $1,000.

LGA 1150 Gaming Computer Under $800 – Build #4

OverviewIf you want some more graphics processing power at the sacrifice of your processor and motherboard, you can get a more powerful version of the GTX 760.

Unfortunately, with AMD’s large price jumps since the release of their R9 series of cards you can’t stretch your budget to get an R9 280X, and the GTX 770 is just out of your range. However, with a higher clock rate, the GTX 760 FTW should give you an extra boost in performance.

And, if you do happen to see a GTX 770 or an R9 280X come back down to around $300, that would be the card to get.

LGA 1150 Gaming Computer Under $800 – Build #5

OverviewThis build isn’t the most powerful on this list, but it does feature a better motherboard an a roomier case. So, if you’re planning on making upgrades in the future this $800 gaming computer will set you up for that.

Also, this build will still handle most games on max settings with ease. So, you won’t have to worry about too much of a performance hit.

AM3+ Gaming Computer Under $800 – Build #6

OverviewIf you’re looking for an AMD-based build then the FX-8350 is definitely no slouch. With this $800 gaming computer you’ll be able to handle pretty much any game on max settings at 1920×1080 resolutions and you’ll be able to hit some mild overclocks (although you might want to consider getting a better aftermarket cooler.)

Ultimately, the GTX 760 and the FX-8350 anchor this build and make it one of the best options on this list. So, if you prefer AMD-based systems, this one is definitely a good one to look at.

AM3+ Gaming Computer Under $800 – Build #7

OverviewIf you want to squeeze out every dime of your budget in order to get the best video card possible, then this $800 gaming computer is the one you’re looking for.

With a GTX 770 this setup is powerful enough to max out any game out there. Although, you will have to sacrifice some performance from your processor and you’ll have to settle for a cheaper motherboard. However, if you overclock the FX-6300 you should be able to avoid any bottlenecking issues.

AM3+ Gaming Computer Under $800 – Build #9

OverviewThis $800 build is an iteration of the build above, except with this setup you get a better video card by sacrificing a little performance on your CPU.

The GTX 760 is perhaps the best video card (price-wise) on the market if you’re playing on a 1920×1080 monitor and the FX-8320 is plenty powerful enough to keep you gaming at a high level. And, with the ASUS M5A99X EVO you just need a better CPU cooler and you will be able to hit high overclocks.

AMD LAN Gaming Computer Under $800 – Build #10

OverviewUnfortunately, there are no mini-ITX motherboards for AMD’s AM3+ socket. However, BitFenix makes a Prodigy case that is micro-ATX compatible.

So, if you’re looking to put together an $800 AMD-based LAN gaming computer, then this setup will do the trick. And, with a GTX 760 and an FX-8320, there’s not too many games that you won’t be able to max out with this build.